Are you facing issues with your keyboard these days since the recent Windows KB update? However, one of the most common issues users are facing is that the left ALT and Windows keys get swapped on laptops and PCs. Well, this issue might occur due to software glitches or sometimes due to hardware problems.
Well, this issue is quite annoying as it can hinder your productivity, especially if you are using your standard keyboard layout. But, nothing to worry if you are facing this problem as you are not alone who is facing this problem. Here in this article, I’ve some fixes for you that will surely help you resolve this ALT and Win keys switched error on your Windows 11 PC.
What Are The Reason Behind Left ALT And Windows Key Swapped Issues?
The Left Alt and Windows keys getting swapped can be caused by various factors, including:
- Keyboard Drivers.
- Keyboard Layout Settings.
- Third-Party Software.
- Faulty external keyboard.
- Internal issue with your laptop’s keyboard.
How to Fix Left ALT And Windows Key Swapped Issue
Getting the left ALT and Windows Keys swapped on the keyboard isn’t something common. It might be caused due to some serious problem as sometimes it may occur just because your internal keyboard’s printed circuit board (PCB) is damaged or has any problem. So, to fix this kind of issue with your Windows 11 PC, here are some fixes that will help you:
Fix 1: Restart Your Device
There are possible chances that your device may have some temporary glitches due to which you are getting this problem. So, you must initially, reboot your device before trying any other technical troubleshooting method.
To reboot your Windows 11 PC, just click on the Start menu and tap on the Power button. Then, select the Restart option. Once your device gets rebooted, open any document and check if the left ALT and Win key swapped issue gets resolved or not.
Fix 2: Check For Driver Update
If rebooting doesn’t fix the issue, then it is possible that it occurs due to a driver issue. So, I would suggest you try updating the keyboard driver. To update your Windows 11 keyboard driver, you must perform these steps:
- Initially, right-click on the Start and select Device Manager.
- After that, tap on the Keyboards section to expand it.
- Now, simply select the keyboard for which you want to check for updates and right-click on it.
- Then, hit the Update Driver option.
- Finally, select Search Automatically For Drivers.
That’s it. Now, wait until it search and install the latest keyboard driver on your Windows 11 device. Once done, you must check whether the ALT and Windows keys swapped issue gets resolved or not. In some cases, this problem occurs because the WIN key is not working properly. So, you can also check for that.
Fix 3: Change Keyboard Layout Settings
Still on the same boat, even after updating the keyboard driver? Well, don’t worry; you must try changing the keyboard layout settings on your Windows 11 PC.
Sometimes, an incorrect keyboard layout settings causes your keyboard keys to be swapped or type different characters. To fix this, you must perform these steps and change the keyboard layout settings:
- Initially, open the Settings.
- Afterwards, click on Time & Language.
- Tap on Language & Region.
- Now, under Preferred Languages, click on Options located right next to your default language.
- Finally, if you suppose you see different keyboard layouts added, then you have to remove them one by one. However, in case you didn’t see the correct keyboard layout in English (United States), then you must use the Add a Keyboard option to add an appropriate layout for your laptop’s keyboard.
Fix 4: Switch to an External Keyboard
In case you have an external keyboard, then I would suggest you to connect it to your laptop and check if it also shows the same issue. However, in case it is working fine, then possibly the internal keyboard’s printed circuit board (PCB) is damaged and you need to replace it.
Additionally, if you already use an external keyboard and find that the ALT and Windows keys get swapped, then remove it and use the laptop’s keyboard and check for the same.
Fix 5: Disable Third-Party Software
There are many third-party applications that intentionally change the keyboard’s layout according to their software’s UI. So, if you find that on your Windows 11 laptop the left ALT and Windows key get swapped, then disabling any third-party software will be the right choice. Thus, let’s check out the steps to do so:
- First, search for Control Panel and open it.
- After that, go to the Programs And Features and look for the third-party program that you have installed recently.
- Then, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
- That’s it. Now, once done, reboot your device and check if the keyboard is working fine.
Fix 6: Temporarily Use On-Screen Keyboard
You can also use the Windows 11 in-built on-screen keyboard as a temporary workaround to bypass the left ALT and Windows keys swapped issue for some time until you fix the issue:
- Initially, press Win+R.
- Then, type osk and hit enter key.
- That’s it. Now, simply click on the key you wish to swap (left Alt and Windows keys) on the on-screen keyboard to simulate their functions.
Also Read:
- Fix: Windows Does Not Detect Second Display After Windows Update
- How to Stop Ransomware on Windows 10/11 PC
- Windows 11 | How to Fix Error Code 0xc00000e
- “This app can’t run on your PC” Error on Windows 11 | How to Fix It
- How to Fix Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters in Windows 10/11
So, that’s all I have for you on how to fix if the left ALT and Windows keys get swapped on laptops and PCs. It’s my hope that this guide has helped you. If you need more information, let me know below in the comments.